Homestore

Home improvers told to know their boundaries

Knowing the boundary between what they can tackle in terms of DIY and what projects should be done by those with greater expertise is needed to avoid potential home improvement disasters.

New research from LV= has found that thousands of homeowners are undertaking projects involving electrics or plumbing without professional help.

Furthermore, close to a million people have attempted major building works, while more have carried out structural work, including removing walls.

The research added that failure to do jobs correctly could lead to a reduction in the value of a property, while it may also impact upon home insurance policies.

John O'Roarke, managing director of LV= home insurance, said: "Although nine out of ten people in our survey (88 per cent) recognised that jobs like gas work should only be left to the professionals, nearly 0.5 million Brits are still prepared to give it a go.

"Not only could bungling these jobs be dangerous and costly to put right, but if they caused a serious problem with the property it could invalidate the home insurance cover."

Easier Property recently suggested that potential home improvers ensure they are organised and are not rash in any decisions that they make.

Posted by Thomas Morris

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